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What is the smartest critter in the animal kingdom? If you ask those who actively feed birds in their backyard you'll probably hear a strong case made for the squirrels. These wily and agile creatures have shown remarkable ingenuity and persistence in defeating any scheme designed to keep them away from the precious supply of sunflower seed. Using a combination of brains and brawn squirrels often prove more than a match for many dedicated bird feeders. Those interested in feeding wild birds are not alone in their frustration. The bird feeder manufacturers find squirrels both a curse and a blessing. The success of the squirrels in praying on bird seed has created a large market for "squirrel proof feeders," if there is such a thing. Manufacturers have produced feeder designs with screens and springs, domes, shields, cones, grease, heat, mazes, electric shock and merry-go-rounds, all in an often futile attempt to foil the lowly squirrel. Love em or hate em, you have to admire their creativity in reaching their goal. All is not lost, however. If you have a squirrel problem, here are some steps you can take that will at least slow the rascals down. Feeder
types:
There are several feeder designs on the market that utilize a spring loaded platform. The perching area on these feeders is tied to a spring loaded door. A bird is too light to close the door while the weight of a squirrel automatically closes the door, protecting the seed inside the feeder. One of the newest feeders on the market is the Yankee Flipper (tm), from Droll Yankees. This feeder has a circular "perch" on the bottom of the feeder. Birds are not heavy enough to start the wheel turning. When a squirrel lands on the perch, however, the wheel starts spinning and the unlucky squirrel is unable to hang on. A selection of "squirrel proof" feeders is available on this site. Guards and
shields: Squirrels have amazing jumping ability, however, so if your feeder is within about 4-6 feet of a tree or branch you might also need protection from air attacks, using one of the feeder types mentioned above. Food: If you can't
beat 'em, join 'em: You may even decide to see just how smart your squirrels are. Try creating a maze of ropes, teeter-totters, and water guards leading to a squirrel feeder. You can get hours of enjoyment watching the squirrels figuring out the path to the feed. For more information on bird feeding you might wish to consider visiting the National Bird-Feeding Society - www.birdfeeding.org. Their Web site and a news bulletin provide tips for feeding birds on a year round basis.
Q and A From the National Bird-Feeding Web Site Q - I've been successful in attracting a variety of different birds. But I've also attracted squirrels. If I install a squirrel feeding station with corn cobs, would that discourage them from the seed? A - You can keep squirrels off your feeders. First, you need effective baffles such as two-foot-long stove pipes that fit around a pole under the feeder. Since squirrels are able to leap five feet up and eight across, feeders must be mounted or hung away from any launching site. Try squirrel feeders for fun, particularly if you enjoy watching their antics. Q - How can I put out corn for squirrels without attracting raccoons or palm rats? A - Feeding squirrels corn and at the same time keeping it away from raccoons is tough, but here's an idea. String a wire between two trees and hang the corn from it. Squirrels will easily get across the wire and hang on to the corn, but the 'coons probably will find it too difficult. Protect your birdseed from palm rats just as you do from squirrels: place feeders on a pole at least eight feet from any tall vegetation and put a stovepipe baffle over the pole just beneath the feeder.
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Feeders
surrounded by strong wire cages offer a simple and effective
method of controlling squirrel access. The size of the mesh,
usually about 1.5 inches across, also can prevent some
undesirable birds species such as starlings and grackles
from consuming all the food and scaring the less aggressive
songbirds.